Tesla says new features will be distributed over air to Model S owners

A new software upgrade is bringing several new enhancements to the Tesla Model S. That's the latest from the automaker, who recently announced that the luxury sedan will add new navigation features and a few other convenient upgrades.

The most important change to the Model S relates to its navigation system. Tesla says the revised system is "a lot smarter" than the previous one, noting that it now provides route suggestions and "time to destination" calculations based on real-time traffic data.

In addition, the system is also newly capable of alerting drivers to real-time changes in traffic conditions, which will allow drivers to decide if they'd like to take a different route. Interestingly, Tesla says the system can even work when drivers aren't actively using the navigation function. The system will recognize when a driver is driving a typical path, such as a morning commute, and can alert the driver to potential issues or alternate routes that could shorten the trip.

Beyond its navigation system updates, the Model S is also adding a few new features. One of them is a remote start function, which allows drivers to turn on their Model S using a smartphone equipped with the Tesla app. The Model S is also now capable of learning which roads are rough and adjusting its suspension accordingly.

Although most automakers only make updates available for brand-new vehicles, such is not the case at Tesla. Instead, Tesla is distributing its software upgrade as an over-the-air update to all Model S owners.

What it means to you: With its latest updates, the Tesla Model S just got a little more luxurious and futuristic.

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